March 27 '24•Benjamin Demers•committee• spring• sustainability• earth month

Enhanced recycling, Earth Month celebrations at Mission College

Committee members receiving award
In the face of adversity, the Sustainability Committee at Mission College remains resolute, driven by a shared dedication to preserving our planet for posterity.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

SANTA CLARA, CA -- Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, the urgency of our planet's needs often gets buried beneath the weight of our responsibilities. It's a sentiment many of us can relate to - wanting to champion sustainability but feeling overwhelmed by the demands of work and life.

Despite these challenges, Mission College's Sustainability Committee stands undeterred, fueled by a collective passion to safeguard our planet for future generations. With this steadfast commitment in mind, the Sustainability Committee proudly announces significant enhancements to the campus recycling program, coupled with an exciting lineup of events to celebrate Earth Month throughout April.

The committee has spent months planning a series of engaging events to honor Earth Month in April:

  • Eco Anxiety & Empowerment Presentation: Join at 11 a.m. on April 11 for an enlightening presentation on Zoom, aimed at addressing eco-anxiety and fostering empowerment in our collective efforts towards sustainability.
  • Eco Fair: Mark calendars for the Eco Fair at 11 a.m. on April 18 in the Central Plaza, where you can explore various sustainable practices and initiatives while enjoying interactive exhibits and activities.
  • E-Waste Collection: Do your part in reducing electronic waste by participating in our E-Waste Collection event, taking place from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on April 22 in Parking Lot A.
Schedule of events for Earth Month
Months of meticulous planning by the committee have culminated in a captivating series of events to commemorate Earth Month throughout April.
"These events provide valuable opportunities for education, engagement, and empowerment, reinforcing our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability," said Theresa Tran, Counseling faculty, and Sustainability Committee co-founder and chair.

With the installation of 36 new waste collection stations across campus and at campus events, the committee is dedicated to making recycling more accessible and straightforward for the entire campus community. The strategic placement of new waste collection stations throughout the campus aims to streamline recycling efforts and encourage active participation from students, faculty, and staff. By expanding the collection of organic waste, Mission College aligns with SB1383, the organics recovery legislation, showcasing its dedication to environmental responsibility.

Moreover, the removal of trash cans from many classrooms not only alleviates the workload for custodial staff but also underscores the college's commitment to waste reduction and sustainability.

"We believe that recycling is a practical way for everyone on campus to contribute to a greener future," said Jean Replicon, Biology faculty and Sustainability Committee member. "By diverting waste from landfills and repurposing materials, we can minimize our environmental footprint and promote a culture of sustainability."

The Sustainability Committee invites the campus community to provide feedback on recycling efforts and suggestions for additional waste collection stations. Feedback can be directed to jean.replicon@missioncollege.edu.

Looking ahead, the committee aims to expand the recycling program campus-wide and across the entire district, including at West Valley College. Collaboration and input from the campus community will be crucial in achieving this goal.

The Sustainability Committee has five subcommittees - all welcoming additional members, especially students. They include: Alternate transportation, Earth Month/Eco Fair activities, Native garden, Sustainability Master Plan and Waste Management.

Furthermore, the committee administers the SVP Sustainable Futures Scholarship in partnership with the City of Santa Clara and Silicon Valley Power, providing financial support to deserving students committed to sustainability.

"We are committed to educating, advising, and advocating for a greener Mission," added Tran. "Together, we can make a significant impact on our environment and create a more sustainable future for generations to come."

Despite the overwhelming demands of daily life, the committee's dedication to sustainability remains unwavering. Together, they encourage all of us to rise above the challenges and embrace our responsibility to care for the only home we have - our precious planet Earth.

To learn more about Mission College's sustainability efforts, upcoming events, and Earth Month celebrations, visit the committee's webpage.

Benjamin Demers
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
benjamin.demers@missioncollege.edu 
About Mission College

Mission College is a leading institution of higher education dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education that empowers students to succeed.

With a commitment to student success, equity, and innovation, Mission College offers a diverse range of academic programs, exceptional faculty, and supportive services to foster a thriving educational community. 


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